Obituary of Su Mei Yang
Su-Mei (Sue) Yang (1946–2026)
Su-Mei (Sue) Yang, who made the Poughkeepsie area her home for over 50 years and whose love of learning remained with her throughout her life, passed away peacefully on March 4, 2026, at Vassar Brothers Medical Center. She was 79 years old.
Born in Taiwan in 1946, Sue (née Chien) immigrated to the United States in 1970. She married her husband, Kuei-Hsiung Yang, in St. Louis that same year before settling in Wappingers Falls in 1972. Though she was predeceased by her husband in 1987, Sue remained a pillar of strength for her family and a beloved presence in the Poughkeepsie and Hudson Valley communities for over five decades.
Sue dedicated over 25 years of her professional life to IBM, working at both the Poughkeepsie and East Fishkill facilities, where she built a long and respected career before retiring at age 62. Never one to stop growing, Sue pursued a lifelong dream of higher education later in life. In 2004, she proudly earned her bachelor’s degree from Marist College, graduating magna cum laude.
A woman of discipline, curiosity, and quiet strength, Sue believed in living a balanced life that embraced education, the arts, and well-being. She was a longtime member of Gold’s Gym on Titusville Road, where she found joy in fitness and friendship over many years. To her family and friends, she was thoughtful and protective in the most endearing way—never letting a loved one leave without her signature parting advice: "Watch your safety" or "Very be careful."
She is survived by her devoted sons, Hubert (Rosalyn) of Nutley, NJ, and David (Geegee) of Hinsdale, IL, and her four cherished grandchildren, Thomas, Julia, Ella, and Owen. She also leaves behind many extended family members in Taiwan, as well as a close circle of longtime friends in New York who became her second family.
Sue will be interred alongside her husband at the Poughkeepsie Rural Cemetery. A celebration of life service is being planned for later this spring, with details to follow.
Memorial Contributions
In lieu of flowers or cards, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Sue’s memory to one of the following organizations:
The Phoenix Center: www.thephoenixcenter.org/donate-now
Asian Americans Advancing Justice (AAJC): www.advancingjustice-aajc.org/donate
Dutchess Outreach: www.dutchessoutreach.org
